Corporate Citizenship

Investing in Ontario Communities
Ontario credit unions share a common vision of working together to strengthen our communities. We understand the importance of contributing time, talent and funds to initiatives that directly benefit Ontario communities. Credit union sponsorships and volunteer projects are as varied in size and scope as the specific needs they address.

The results of the sixth national survey of credit union philanthropy, conducted by the national polling firm Ipsos-Reid, were released in October 2007. It revealed that Ontario credit unions gave almost $4 million to local community charities and charitable initiatives in 2006.

Credit unions continue to be strong supporters of healthcare causes, sports teams/associations, schools/colleges, education in general and arts and culture. Credit union contributions included:

• $223,100 for healthcare charities;

• $22,000 for schools and colleges;

• Volunteers! Employees at nearly half of credit unions participated in community activities or organizations as part of their paid work in 2005. Unpaid employee volunteerism is even higher -- employees at 68 per cent of credit unions take part in this.

Ontario credit unions also support the Ontario Credit Union Charitable Foundation, which channelled another $120,000 to community and international projects.

Many credit unions are members of the Imagine program of the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy. Through this program, members commit to donating a minimum of one per cent of their profits back into the community. In fact, many credit unions far exceed this one per cent guideline.

Contributing Internationally
Ontario credit unions also support co-operative development through the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA). The CCA is the international development arm of co-operatives and credit unions in English-speaking Canada. For more than 20 years, CCA has assisted co-operatives of all types and descriptions in over 40, mostly developing, countries.

CCA’s international work is made possible by the support of Canadian credit unions, co-operatives and individuals who give generously to CDF each year. These funds, leveraged through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and other government agencies result in every donated dollar providing for another $3, $6 or even $10 in funding.

Contact your local credit union for specific information on how it contributes to your community.